Newsletter #40 – Apr 2020

How to cope with work, handle challenges at home while maintaining good health?

Due to the coronavirus, we were forced to adjust our lives and the way of living. Some of you might find it challenging as you work from home for the first time. Many colleagues usually opt out of teleworking, as they would not feel the pressure to complete their tasks or perhaps they need the social aspect.  We found some interesting tips for you.  Continue reading How to cope with work, handle challenges at home while maintaining good health?

Generation 2004 welcomes the new DG HR Director General Gertrud INGESTAD

Generation 2004 recently welcomed the new Director General in charge of HR matters, Gertrud INGESTAD. The new DG started her functions at a period of severe crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In our welcome letter we raised a number of most pressing practical issues and problems relating to the COVID-19 protection measures. While we fully endorse these measures, we know that certain elements can still be improved. We have collected various examples of your many recent difficulties with our new working arrangements like:  Continue reading Generation 2004 welcomes the new DG HR Director General Gertrud INGESTAD

Ever heard of social dialogue and how important it is for the Commission Staff?

The social dialogue is a procedure, through which general implementing procedures affecting staff are decided in the Commission. It should not be confused however, with the staff representation, who is responsible to control and verify that adopted rules are followed by the administration. Continue reading Ever heard of social dialogue and how important it is for the Commission Staff?

Free (public) transport in Luxembourg: should I be bothered?

*Update 09.07.2021 We now have free access to the electric city bikes (‘Vel’OH!’) via the Office for Infrastructure and Logistics in Luxembourg (OIL) (normally this costs €18 for an annual subscription). Check out whether there’s a Vel’OH! station near you!*

As you may know already: Luxembourg has been offering free public transport to everybody since 1 March 2020. Your first gut reaction may have been that this is a good thing: public transport has finally become truly public with free transport to everybody in one country. Continue reading Free (public) transport in Luxembourg: should I be bothered?

Cycling allowance

EASME , one the Commission’s Executive Agencies has started offering its staff a financial contribution for cycling to work. Congratulations to the agency and its enlightened director! 

Meanwhile, the Commission has been bogged down with the preparation of its new mobility plan for the past 2 years (at the current pace, by the time the plan comes out, it will be obsolete…).  Continue reading Cycling allowance